Iranian dissidents gather in Paris, push for regime change

Paris - Iranian dissidents from around the world will be gathering in Paris this weekend for a major rally to support democracy. Tens of thousands are expected, and major international leaders, including former U.S. cabinet members, will be speaking at the event.

The event is being hosted by the French-based Foundation for the Study of the Middle East, Alliance for Public Awareness and Organization of Iranian American Communities.

The rally will be attended by over 600 political dignitaries, and 120 parliamentarians from some 60 different countries. A bi-partisan delegation from the US Congress will be in attendance, as will representatives from a wide range of European and Muslim countries.

Speakers at the event will include a slew of leading public officials from around the world, including former Governor and Presidential candidate Howard Dean, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Hugh Shelton, and numerous other leading minds.

Maryam Rajavi, the National Council of Resistance of Iran's (NCRI) President elect will also speak at the event. Mrs. Rajavi has emerged as one of the Iranian dissident's communities most vocal and prominent leaders.

Topics will include the rise of Islamic extremism, the potential nuclear deal with Iran, and numerous other related topics.

While the Iranian government is now known for its staunch adherence Sharia law, in the early days of the 1979 Revolution many activists were pushing for democracy, and a separation of church and state, and the establishment of a socialist democracy systems similar to those found in Europe.

In the years following the revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized complete control of the Iranian government through a series of purges directed at political opponents. Thousands of Iranians were forced to head abroad to avoid persecution.

While the Iranian clerical regime has continued to tighten its grip on Iran, the country's diaspora now numbers some 5 million strong. Many Iranians abroad are now pushing for reform at home. Iran's diaspora community generates an estimated $1.5 trillion dollars per year in income, and many diaspora organizations have developed extensive political connections.

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